Earthly Delights

Aquarium Of The Pacific’s Earth Day Celebration

The Shark Lagoon features more than 150 sharks. 267Visitors to the Aquarium of the Pacific during its 11th annual Earth Day Celebration, A Celebration of Our Ocean Planet, April 9 and 10, 2011, will learn what they can do to help the ocean planet. The Aquarium’s Earth Day event has been going on for more than a decade and features leading environmental organizations in addition to interactions with animals.

The fourth largest aquarium in the United States,Aquarium of the Pacific has more than 50 exhibits showcasing more than 11,000 animals.Highlights include marine exhibits of three distinct regions of the Pacific Ocean — the icy Northern Pacific, the temperate Southern California/Baja Pacific and the Tropical Pacific.

The Northern Pacific Gallery features the amusing sea otters and mysterious giant Pacific Octopus. The 142,000-gallon, three-story Blue Cavern marks the entrance of the Southern California/Baja Gallery which contains 18 aquatic exhibits including the Seal and Sea Lion Habitat. The Tropical Pacific is the Aquarium’s largest exhibit and features the beautiful marine life characteristic of the island nation of Palau, including magnificent coral, sea turtles, sharks, and colorful exotic fish.

“The Aquarium’s mission is to instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems. This celebration is a weekend of family fun celebrating Earth Day while learning simple, everyday tips to protect our environment,” says Marilyn Padilla, Senior Manager of Media Relations for Aquarium of the Pacific.“Our guests will be able to visit booths from various earth-friendly organizations and participate in hands-on learning demonstrations. It is an event for all ages.”

A steward of our planet’s natural beauties, Aquarium of the Pacific received the Super Nova Star Award by the Alliance to Save Energy for being the nation’s most energyefficient business with revenues under $150 million in 2009. A leader in green business practices, the Aquarium has increased attendance by 35 percent without increasing its carbon footprint — energy use, water use, and carbon emissions have been reduced for the past eight years.

Admission and HoursGeneral Admission: $24.95 adult (12+), $21.95 senior (62+),$12.95 child (three to 11), and free for children three and under,as well as Aquarium members. For Earth Day weekend, visitwww.aquariumofthepacific.org for details on a special “Green Discount.”The Aquarium of the Pacific is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of theyear, except December 25 and during the weekend of the Toyota GrandPrix in Long Beach (April 15 to 18, 2011)ParkingThe parking structure is on the waterside of Shoreline Drive betweenChestnut Place and Aquarium Way. There is an $8 cash only, flat rate.Getting ThereTake I-10 West for about 57 miles. Then, merge onto I-215 South towardRiverside. Continue onto CA-91 West. In 53 miles, merge onto I-710South toward Long Beach. Take Exit 1C on the left for Downtown LongBeach/Convention Center/Aquarium. Merge onto West Shoreline Drive.Turn right onto Aquarium Way. Travel time from the Coachella Valleytakes approximately two hours and 15 minutes.For More InformationAquarium of the Pacific100 Aquarium Way • Long Beach, California 90802562-590-3100 • www.aquariumofthepacific.org